South bend apron felt wick kerosene

D

dansawyer

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The lathe is about a 1945 9A with the motor mount under. I purchased it a couple of weeks back and decided to thoroughly clean and measure it before use. Everything is off the bed soaked in a parts washer (except the headstock), mainly kerosene. I reading I discovered there is at least one felt wick in the apron that lubricates bushings. This wick is now soaked in kerosene. Is there any alternative to disassembling the apron and replacing the kerosene soaked felt?

I have not done a detailed search of the gearbox, are there felt wicks in the gear box as well?

While we are on the subject of felt wicks there are critical wicks in the headstock. They are likely original. Is there any reason to think they are still functional after 70 plus years? Should I just plan to tear down and replace all the components and replace the wicks?
 
Hi Dan , welcome to the site, now I'd Ck the wicks for sure , as far as kerosene on them it shouldn't hurt or change anything . After cking reoiling the wick should work as it's supposed to work. If you need new ones they're available. Lots of guys on here have the same lathe . They'll be chiming in I bet. Good luck , have fun , BE SAFE
 
dansawyer said:
The lathe is about a 1945 9A with the motor mount under. I purchased it a couple of weeks back and decided to thoroughly clean and measure it before use. Everything is off the bed soaked in a parts washer (except the headstock), mainly kerosene. I reading I discovered there is at least one felt wick in the apron that lubricates bushings. This wick is now soaked in kerosene. Is there any alternative to disassembling the apron and replacing the kerosene soaked felt?

I have not done a detailed search of the gearbox, are there felt wicks in the gear box as well?

While we are on the subject of felt wicks there are critical wicks in the headstock. They are likely original. Is there any reason to think they are still functional after 70 plus years? Should I just plan to tear down and replace all the components and replace the wicks?
Click to expand...
I have a 1949 9A
Still using the the felt from 1949 for oiling
I did replace the carriage felt on bedway
I had new set from 1980's South Bend Lathe

Dave

Dave
 
The kerosene will alter the lubricating characteristics of the way oil that you are relying on the felts to spread, but that isn't the concern. Over time, the felts pick up fine chips, emery, and grinding dust, which eventually turns them into little scotch-brite pads that wear on the critical surfaces of your machine. Replace them if possible.
 
Seeing as you have it down this far, I would just replace them. Look up seller "stevewb" on EBay. He supplies full kits at a fair price. I think he may also be on here occasionally.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
 
Yes...I'd also recommend changing them. And yes, there are felts in the gearbox also. There's a writeup somewhere on the web on rebuilding the gearbox and changing the felts.
 
Here's what I strongly suggest if you want to do a nice job of it and have a machine that is well maintained:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/South-Bend...u:sc:USPSPriorityFlatRateEnvelope!14437!US!-1

I got the 13" version of this for mine after bringing it home. The apron on mine as well as the gearbox has many individual felts. The tail stock, headstock and reversing gears do as well. Not sure about the 9" but the book that is included with this kit is full of that type of information.

Consider this a great learning opportunity!

Ted
 
Yes the refurbish book and felt kit for your lathe would be a good idea. I got them for my SB 10L and would of struggled
With out them, new correct felts are the way to go.
 
Ted, that's exactly who I was referring to. Excellent product. And willing to take time and talk if you need help.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
 
Change them! Especially the head, they have little springs with felt pads that suck up the “clean, fresh correct spindle oil”.
Change the reservoir oil while you are at it. Be careful, read up first.
That’s my 2 cents, I have a 1941 13” single gear box.
 
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